People who knew Mark would recognize him by his bicycle outfit of loose khaki pants, suspenders, duct tape in essential places, bulky bicycle helmet, and a florescence yellow vest, partially covered by his long beard. If it was summertime he also had a folded piece of cardboard over his nose to protect it from the sun since he had had a bout of cancer when he was young. 

Mark was a big man with a big heart, and a deep gruff raspy voice. At first glance he appeared to be an irascible old curmudgeon, with an impressive bark, but as soon as you got to know him you realized it was just a protective front and he was a warm, generous, compassionate man. 

Mark’s childhood and adolescence were spent in North Dakota where he was born, the second of four children. In the 60’s, Mark and his older brother, both gifted academics, dropped out of school and headed for the East Coast. There they lived communally, held a variety of jobs, and participated in events protesting the Vietnam War. In the late 70’s Mark moved to the West Coast and began attending Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. He was unable to complete his degree because he was diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalized for several months. 

After recovering, he settled in Portland, Oregon where he became an artist and merchant at the Saturday Market. He was known in the artist market communities in Portland and Seattle as “MARK, THE STAR MAKER," making and selling 3D bronze wire stars in the style of Buckminster Fuller’s tensegrity spheres. Each year he sent one of his stars to the hospital in Corvallis that had saved his life. 

Mark moved to Redding in the mid 80’s and was a presence here until his death. He frequented the Dollar Tree volunteered at The Attic and seemed to be a permanent early morning presence at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. He was often at The Shasta County library using one of the computers. He knew the best possible bicycle route to anywhere in Redding. Mark owned a van which he used to assist his mother who eventually moved to Redding. The van was also his vehicle to transport wine and other goodies to his annual trip to Burning Man where he participated as a Lamplighter for many years.

Mark was a great fan of The Grateful Dead and a proud member of “The First Church of the Last Laugh.” He attended many St. Stupid’s Day parades in San Francisco dressed as various characters of his own creation. Mark loved cooking, baking his own bread, making sausage, and finding deals on his many bike-powered trips around Redding. He had an eclectic collection of movies, kitchenware, and clothing which he enjoyed gathering from local thrift stores. He shared the foods he made with friends. Items he had collected over the years made their way to homeless shelters and thrift stores after his death.

Mark was a proud member of The Green Party, an advocate for the underdog and cared greatly for people less fortunate than him. He participated in Earth Day events, and spoke often about politics, the unhoused, the environment, and all he perceived as wrong in the country and the world. He could be quick to anger, especially with modern technology and anything he found insufferable. Mark had a high-pitched laugh which he could not contain whenever something delighted him. He spun a good yarn and losing him means losing so many amazing stories. 

In the last eight to ten years Mark learned to love trains and travel. He traveled around the country by train knowing the Amtrack system well, with all its schedules and every promotional deal.

Two weeks before his death in Denver he stayed with his family in Spokane, which he had reconnected with, and was making annual trips to visit them. Many have commented that he died doing what he loved. With a hearty laugh Mark would agree.There is now an empty space in the bicycle lanes and in many hearts.

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